Toilet paper imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of toilet paper by Zambia reached $3.6 million in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). Value fell 24% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $4.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 2.3K t |
| 2022 | $4.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2020 | $3.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $2.8M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $2.9M | 1.7K t |
Where Zambia imports toilet paper from
South Africa alone supplied 89% of it. Among the main suppliers, Botswana grew fastest (+668% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.2M | 89% |
| China | $211K | 5.9% |
| Botswana | $174K | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $9K | 0.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $3K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $2K | 0.1% |
| Turkey | $1K | 0% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.05 per kg, close to the world average of $2.07.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Toilet paper exports from Zambia
Exports of toilet paper by Zambia reached $430 thousand in 2024 (236 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 88% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+297% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $380K | 89% |
| Zimbabwe | $48K | 11% |
| Malawi | $1K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia toilet paper imports (HS 4818.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 4818.10: Paper articles: toilet paper.
Common questions
What is the value of toilet paper imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported toilet paper worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 96th of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply toilet paper to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 89% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by China (6%) and Botswana (5%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 668% on the year.
What is the average import price of toilet paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.05 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.07 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of toilet paper to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.9 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. The peak was 2023 at $4.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.5 million a year.
Does Zambia also export toilet paper?
Yes. Zambia exported $430 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $3.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for toilet paper?
The HS code for toilet paper is subheading 4818.10. It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4818 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For Zambia, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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